My Best Ear Warmer Headband Pattern

Make an ear warming headband using this easy ear warmer headband pattern. This is my best diy earwarmer: one that actually stays in place, protects my ears in the wind, and is so comfortable. A perfect fall accessory you can make in a really short time. Did I mention it's a beginner sewing project? Easy and fun!

There is a PDF sewing pattern available in 8 sizes in our shop, or you can get the 3 smallest sizes for free when you join our free mailing list here.

If you've never sewn with knits before, this is the perfect place to start. The earwarmer headband tutorial includes detailed, beginner-friendly instructions with lots of step-by-step photos. Also, you get several bonus tips to make it even easier. No serger? No problem. Tips for sewing with a regular sewing machine included! 

This post includes affiliate links. Thanks for your support! If you like making accessories, you'll love these free projects, too:

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• Mini Pouch - Free Pattern
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Ear Warmer Headband

Would you like to add a pop of color to your kids' fall wardrobe and let them stay warm outdoors this fall? Or do you want your perfect, no-fail running earwarmer so you can go jogging in any weather? You've found your perfect accessory: this ear warmer headband pattern!

I'll tell you why I love these ear warmer headbands. And here's why you'll love them too:

Ear Warmer Headband Pattern Features

1. PERFECT FOR transitions between seasons: They're wide enough to actually protect the head from wind (but don't make the kid sweat like those winter fleece ones!)
2. Ear flaps fully cover the ears (but don't obstruct the kid's eyes!)
3. Stays in place (no slipping during the play!)
4. Easy and inexpensive to make.
5. A great scrap buster!
6. Make a great and easy homemade gift!

Now, are you in? Let's make an earwarmer headband together!

Supplies

You'll need:

• a 24"by 11" piece of cotton blend jersey
• sewing thread (here I used a thicker, contrasting thread to make it easier for you to follow the tutorial)
• sewing machine
• ballpoint needle (A must for sewing knits.)
• iron
• scissors
• pins
• pattern (make or get one - get the smallest 3 sizes (baby-1 yr) for free when you join AppleGreen Cottage newsletter HERE)

I used a 5.8 oz weight jersey for this tutorial, it's a 95% cotton + 5% spandex blend. It has a moderate stretch.  You can use your fabric scraps, this is a great scrap-buster project.

Headband Sizing

The full pattern in the shop comes in 8 sizes (baby to adult), ranging from 15" to 23"

You'll notice that the sizes are a bit larger than the regular headband sizes. This is due to a wider, ear-covering form that will stretch less than the thinner variations of headbands we usually see in the market.

Earwarmer Pattern

There is a PDF sewing pattern available in 8 sizes in our shop - but wait! You can get the 3 smallest sizes for free when you join our free newsletter here.

Need A larger Size?

If you need larger sizes, the Earwarmer Headband PDF Pattern with tutorial is available in our shop. It's not free, but with the additional sizes up to adult sizes (total 8 sizes), you should be covered for life.

It comes in 6 kids + 2 adults sizes  (total 8 sizes), complete with instructions and sewing tips. You can check it out here if you like:

DIY Earwarmer Headband TUTORIAL

And here's a video slide-show for those of you who prefer video how-tos. (and all the separate steps are added below) Check it out here:

To make it even easier for you, the how-to is split into three sections. Makes it even easier to follow!

A) The Perfect TEMPLATE

You can make your own ear warmer headband pattern or choose one of my patterns to make your project really fast!

You can:
a) Get your pattern in 3 smallest sizes (3 months - 1 yr) when you join our mailing list.

b) OR, if you need a larger size, order the complete, 8-size pattern in the pattern shop. It's not free, but with the additional 5 sizes (baby+toddler+kid-teen+adult), you could use it for everybody in your family.

c) OR, you can draw your own template: wrap a piece of your fabric around the kid's head and add the 0.5 cm for seam allowance. You'll also need to add ear flaps, which may be a bit tricky - you need to catch the right position (exactly covering the ear area, not too far back or close to the front.) You might need a bit of a try-and-test approach. I'd suggest this only if you've got enough time and fabrics for a second/third try.

TIP: No matter how you start, always measure your child’s head to be sure you are making the correct size

B) CUTTING the Fabric

1) Draw or download your ear warmer headband pattern.

2) Lay the piece of jersey on a flat surface, right side up (=facing you), with the stretch running side to side. Usually, this means that you'll see the tiny ribs running vertically.

Stretch direction is VERY IMPORTANT here!  

3) Fold your jersey twice:

• First, grab the right edge and fold it in half. Now you've got the fold on the right side and the jersey right-sides-together.
• Second, grab the folded upper edge of the fabric and fold it in half by placing it onto the bottom edge. Now you've got four layers of jersey nicely stacked.

4) Place the ear warmer headband pattern over the four layers. Please make sure that one corner of the template (marked by a red dot!) is placed on the 4-fold corner of the jersey! Add a ¼" seam allowance on two sides (as marked in the template.) Then cut.

TIP: Always measure your child’s head to be sure you are making the correct size.

5) Unfold the cut fabric once so you get this double-layered piece (i.e. folded only once):

C) SEWING ear warmer headband pattern

1) Now you've got the piece of jersey folded once, right-sides-together (face-to-face) along the long line. Start sewing approximately 2 inches (5 cm) from the edge and stop at least 2 inches before the end. Seam allowance: ¼"

(The seam in this photo is a bit wavy because I used my regular foot. If you've got a walking foot, use it, the seam will look nicer!)

2) Secure stitch, then trim any excess fabric on the curved part (this way you'll reduce bulk and the curved part will look nicer.). Then turn the sewn piece right side out. Press.

3) Now pin the short ends of the headband, right-sides-together, like this:

4) Sew them together using a ¼" seam allowance, backstitch as needed to secure.

5) Tuck the sewn part back to form a tube-like headband. Press. Now you'll be able to finish the missing part (2 inch + 2 inch) of the  horizontal seam: topstitch over these 4 inches (zigzagging, remember!) Or, even better, use a ladder stitch if you have time to stitch it by hand.

6) Done! You've just made a perfect headband for a kid.

Your ear warmer headband is finished.

And if you're not ready to start working with jersey yet, fear not. Just select the fabric and wait a bit. In one of my next posts, I'm throwing in several sewing tips for beginners, and above all: TWO basic things that REALLY matter when sewing with knits. Like, really important. They can save your project. And make you totally confident with cutting up and sewing your jersey piece. Actually, you'll just want to sew more of these headbands. Get your fabrics ready, subscribe to get access to your free template, and pin this tutorial for later.

Pin For Later:

Happy sewing!